Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Operator Celebrates Grand Opening with Free Subs
May 17, 2013 - Cary, NC - Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, opened its fifth Cary location on May 15. Restaurant operator Zach Carroll held a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19 to support West Cary Middle School Parent-Teacher-Student Association.
The new restaurant, located at 2055 Renaissance Park Place, circulated 7,500 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub with a generous donation to West Cary Middle School Parent-Teacher-Student Association.
Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike's continued its steady growth in 2012 opening 92 new restaurants throughout the country, a 33 percent increase in new store growth over 2011...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // WAYNE, NJ - The Toys"R"Us Children’s Fund today announced a $100,000 donation to Save the Children to provide immediate and longer-term recovery programs for communities in Moore, Oklahoma following this week’s devastating tornado.
To provide urgent assistance to families in shelters, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has made local product donations to help children impacted by the tornado. The company is also encouraging its customers to join in helping the littlest victims of this disaster by donating products through the official Save the Children registry at www.Babiesrus.com/SavetheChildren.
As a national leader in child-focused disaster response and recovery programs, Save the Children is deploying Child Friendly Space kits in shelters, creating safe play areas for kids impacted by the tornado, and is also providing infant and toddler hygiene materials to support the well-being of young children while they are displaced from their homes...

Six new U.S. Lawns franchisees came to Orlando from five locations across the country to attend New Franchise Training at the U.S. Lawns Home Office in Orlando, FL.
Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - U.S. Lawns continues to grow, just like the grass that it cuts. Commercial landscape management is a beacon to entrepreneurs, and the backing of an industry-leading franchise is a strong draw.
Their initial week-long training in Orlando immerses them in the system, and familiarizes them with the processes and tools they will use to build their business in their local markets.
“Three of our new May franchises are military vets, one is an experienced franchisee and the one is an experienced business and salesman,” U...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // MADISON, N.J. - Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services, today announced the selection of 15 emerging technology companies that will compete at the Realogy FWD Innovation Summit on Tuesday, June 18. The inaugural event will be hosted at the Company's new state-of-the-art headquarters building in Madison, N.J.
"The response we received from technology entrepreneurs was tremendous, and we are thrilled to be hosting a select group of 15 companies that will compete for the right to be crowned the Realogy FWD Innovation Summit Champion," said Alex Perriello, president and CEO of the Realogy Franchise Group...

Owner Celebrates Grand Opening with Free Subs
May 17, 2013 - Statesboro, GA - Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, officially opened its doors in Statesboro on May 15. Franchise owner Chris Brown held a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19 to support Statesboro High School Football.
The new restaurant, located at 721 South Main Street, circulated 7,500 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution to Statesboro High School Football.
Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike's continued its steady growth in 2012 opening 92 new restaurants throughout the country, a 33 percent increase in new store growth over 2011...

Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, PGA TOUR Players and Fans Rally to Benefit Four Charities
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // FORT WORTH, TEXAS – PGA TOUR golfers at the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial will once again be playing for more than the traditional tartan plaid jacket. This year’s Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts “Charity Foursome” program will benefit four charities: The First Tee of Fort Worth, Year Up Atlanta, Junior Achievement USA and the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Shelter In A Storm Program. Expect plenty of birdies and eagles over the weekend, with the entire field working hard to shoot low scores for one of the participating organizations. During Saturday and Sunday rounds, each golf pairing will be playing for one of the four charities with IHG’s Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand donating $100 for every birdie and $500 for every eagle made to the pairing’s corresponding charity, up to $50,000...

Glazer, BFS CEO, Nominated as Florida Financial Services Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA - Business Financial Services, Inc. (BFS) is pleased to announce that President and CEO Marc Glazer has been named a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 awards program. Glazer, who co-founded BFS in 2002, is a finalist in the competition’s financial services category in the Florida market.
A serial entrepreneur, Glazer has transformed BFS from an online small business portal to a leading specialty finance company with more than 100 employees. Under his leadership, BFS has become one of the country’s largest providers of working capital to small and medium-size businesses in all 50 states...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Atlanta, GA - Welcomemat Services celebrated a successful year at its second annual national conference on May 3-4 at Lake Lanier in Atlanta.
The top franchisees were recognized for their hard work by Welcomemat Services founder and CEO Brian Mattingly, who awarded these model franchisees. The top categories were Franchise of the Year, awarded for the second consecutive year to Dave and Sheryl Eickman, and Franchise Runner up of the Year, won by Frank and Shelli Bernardini. The Rookie of the Year award went to David Tabb, and Trainer of the Year was awarded to Julie McCord. Welcomemat Services promotes strong connections between franchisees through business support relationships like trainee positions, as well as through events like the national conference...

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint, The most popular build-your-own-pizza restaurant, introduces “Maddio Meals” – combo meals that let diners have more options with their pizza.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - It’s no secret that almost everyone loves pizza – over 5 billion are sold around the world each year. But sometimes, even pizza lovers want something a little lighter. Keeping true to their promise of “more choices,” Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint recently introduced “Maddio Meals,” combo meals that give diners smaller portions, side dish options, and a drink for $7.99. Maddio Meals also introduce customers to their lesser known but popular paninis, salads, and soups.
“Pizza isn’t usually what you think of when you hear ‘combo meal,’” says Uncle Maddio’s Head Chef and VP of Operations Alex Cook, “but sometimes, you just want a taste of pizza and maybe a salad...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Local children's music franchise owner, Elizabeth Hawkhead, is celebrating her 10th successful year bringing music classes to the babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers of Leeds.
Former Bank Manager, Elizabeth, bought her Rhythm Time music franchise ten years ago after having her own children. As a bank manager, I had looked after other peoples' businesses and this gave me an appetite to run one of my own. Music was a passion of mine, so Rhythm Time gave me the perfect opportunity to do what I love and have a career that fitted around my young family," she quotes.
The music franchise owner's classes have proved so popular that over the past ten years, over 4000 babies and young children have attended Elizabeth's classes in Leeds...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX - Alamo Drafthouse is proud to announce the launch of its annual Summer Kids Camp screenings, a series of films programmed specifically for families. Not only can families head to their local Alamo to spend quality time together in air-conditioned entertainment bliss, but admission to all Summer Kids Camp films is 100% free.
"Here at the Alamo, many of us have childhood memories of heading to the movies. We want to share our love of movies with our whole community and provide options for affordable family entertainment," said Amy Averett, Alamo Drafthouse Director of Private and Community Events.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the lobby box office. Customers are encouraged to arrive early to snag their tickets and enjoy custom family-friendly pre-shows full of eye-popping and laugh-inducing clips and shorts appropriate for all ages! See below for the full Summer Kids Camp 2013 lineup...

Leading Battery and Light Bulb Franchise Ranks among the Top Franchisors
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Hartland, WI – For the fourth consecutive year, Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s first, largest, and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, recently ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
The award honors Batteries Plus Bulbs for its ongoing support of our nation’s heroes. With over 20 veteran franchise owners representing more than 47 stores nationwide, including a corporate store that is managed by a veteran, Batteries Plus Bulbs is a proud member of VetFran which helps military veterans achieve their dreams of opening their own business...

Pizza Favorite Adds 40+ Original Menu Items and Variety of Craft Beers
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Louisville, Colo. – Founded in 1976 in Boulder, Colo., with three decades of success and a loyal following, Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza has refreshed its brand to deliver a more modern and robust dining experience. Rebranded as Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, the neighborhood restaurant and craft beer tavern has added progressive touches, an enhanced service model and an updated menu with wider and deeper offerings.
In addition, Old Chicago is updating the look and feel of the restaurant atmosphere. The fresh-faced tavern is stylish and warm; light woods and clean metal accents blend together for an enticing, authentic feel...

In-Home Care Company will Provide High Quality Home Care and Jobs Throughout the Bloomington Market
Bloomington, IL (Grassroots Newswire) May 7, 2013  - SYNERGY HomeCare, one of the nation’s leading home care providers, today announced the opening of its new location in Bloomington. SYNERGY HomeCare of Bloomington will serve individuals and families in the Bloomington/Normal areas.
SYNERGY HomeCare of Bloomington provides companionship, help with activities of daily living, and care for people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, arthritis, MS and other conditions. It also proudly serves Veterans in need of non-medical care.
"We recognize the need for high quality companionship and personal care for people of all ages with a variety of needs...

Fiscal Year Results Significantly Impacted by Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges Related to Frozen Yogurt Operations
DURANGO, CO - (Marketwired - May 23, 2013) - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMCF) (the "Company") today reported its operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 28, 2013 (FY2013). The Company franchises/operates gourmet chocolate stores and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. The Company's 60% owned subsidiary, U-Swirl, Inc., franchises and operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafes. Management will host an investor conference call today at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its operating results and other topics of interest (see details below)...

The #1 Name in Fresh Fruit Arrangements Ranked #100 Among Top E-Retailers
WALLINGFORD, Conn. - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - For the second consecutive year, Edible Arrangements® is ranked as one of the leading online retailers by Internet Retailer magazine. Edible Arrangements® was named #100 on the publication's 2013 Top 500 list of the largest web merchants.
Thanks to a dynamic retail website, complementary digital marketing strategies, and continued enhancement and innovation online, Edible Arrangements® generates more than 50 percent of all franchise store revenue from online sales. The company also recently celebrated the most successful Mother's Day in company history.
"Our goal is to give Edible Arrangements® guests a complete online experience that is second to none," said Kaitlin Reiss , Vice President of E-commerce for Edible Arrangements International...

Award-Winning Food and Concept Spreads from Midwest to the Coast; Artisan Menu Developed by James Beard Honored Chef. 
Kansas City, Mo (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza is known for its exceptional artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price, its eclectic, affordable premium wines, and its inviting culture and environment.
SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza’s first franchise location is now open in Southern California in the City of Orange near Honda Center and Angels Stadium of Anaheim in Orange County. The restaurant is operated by Hofman Hospitality Group (HHG), which has completed a franchise agreement to open 37 SPIN!® restaurants throughout Southern California. SPIN!’s award-winning, premium fast-casual concept is known for its exceptional artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price, its eclectic, affordable premium wines, and its inviting and warm culture and environment...

7-Eleven®Launches Summer Slurpee Days with 49-cent Drinks Memorial Day Weekend, #Awesummer Flavors and Freebies
DALLAS - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Although the first official day of summer isn't until June 21, 7-Eleven® is kicking off the Slurpee® season when most people arguably go into summertime mode – Memorial Day weekend. The convenience retailer's #Awesummer Summer Slurpee Days officially begins Memorial Day weekend – with a 49-cent medium-size Slurpee drink deal that is available at participating 7-Eleven stores Friday through Monday, May 24-27, during which any medium Slurpee drink will be just 49 cents.
Actress Ashley Benson of ABC's hit TV show "Pretty Little Liars" and surprise indie box office hit "Spring Breakers," appeared at a Los Angeles 7-Eleven store to take the ceremonial first summer Slurpee sip...

ST. LOUIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 23, 2013 - Build-A-Bear Workshop® announced today initiatives to provide support for children and families affected by the tornado that devastated Moore, OK and surrounding areas earlier this week. The company is inviting its Guests to share the hug of a teddy bear through several initiatives. Nationally, Guests can donate $1 or more to the American Red Cross at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores or online at buildabear.com. In Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Guests can make bears for local children affected by the tornado. Additionally, the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation has contributed $2,500 to DonorsChoose.org for a specially directed teacher program to rebuild the schools in Oklahoma that were hit hardest by the storm and replenish classroom supplies in the upcoming months of recovery...

Leading Direct Marketing Company Named Best for Vets and Military Friendly Franchise
LARGO, Fla. - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, has been named to two prestigious lists recognizing franchises that go above and beyond in helping military servicemen and women achieve their goal of business ownership. Both Military Times EDGE and G.I. Jobs have awarded Valpak for its focus on veterans, placing the company at #5 on the Best for Vets: Franchises list and among the top 10 percent of franchise companies named to the 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list, respectively.
"Valpak gives veterans like me the support structure we are accustomed to from our military experience while putting us in command to run our own business," said Michael Lambert , former Marine Sergeant and now Valpak of Lubbock franchisee...